Diana E.
2 weeks ago
I'm sorry your beautiful mackerel brown tabby escaped the house about three weeks ago, but please try not to fear the worst. Half Pint is likely still hiding close to home, too scared to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if they believe it's safe (it must be quiet and still, and you have to remain indoors), but I see that window of opportunity may have closed. Although it's possible Half Pint will try to come home on his own overnight (so stay indoors after dark and be watchful) or you will find his hiding spot if you search as I will describe, your objective going forward will be to identify a place where Half Pint feels comfortable emerging at night for food. If you can lure him to a safe and quiet place to eat, he'll stay close and well nourished while you formulate a recovery plan.
I've recovered many escaped indoor cats and will share a prioritized set of instructions, below. DURING THE DAYTIME alert nearby neighbors in case Half Pint is hiding beyond your property (under a vehicle or structure, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.) — ask if he’s been seen on security cameras at night or if anyone in the area feeds cats outside. Then don’t worry that you haven’t found him — cats are expert at hiding. Focusing your efforts close to home, search again during the day using a flashlight, but be quiet and discrete so as not to frighten him (shhh! tiptoe around — DO NOT CALL or shake treats) -- check every crack and crevice, look in, under and around sheds, vehicles, furniture, under foundations and porches, into trees etc. — but suspend searching just after dark to give him the chance to emerge for food. BEGINNING TONIGHT put something inconuous but comforting and familiar outside (blanket or worn clothing laid flat on the doorstep. — NOT a litter box or anything obvious) to give Half Pint the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food at his point of escape and in various safe and quiet locations at dusk (choose places where Half Pint will feel comfortable eating -- close to a foundation, under shrubs, inside a porch, shed or garage with the door cracked open, etc. — a frightened cat is more concerned with safety than food). Half Pint's instinct will be to come out after dark to eat and once you know where, you can get him back inside. Please see my complete instructions (click on the link to the PDF, below) and tell me if you have any questions. Hang in there and let me know how it goes. https://www.dropbox.com/s/e63sos0yc7znlej/EscapedCat.pdf?dl=0&fbclid=IwAR1x5gw2G_RoxuSs2vJQ9ym-6PIC-5u10U5UPUO6IRaBaIRT40A_mozvkX4
